Reader Submitted Question: I am in my 20’s, and I contracted HSV1 when I was a teenager. I had sexual contact with one male and had safe sex with another male, and both did not know I carried the virus then. I have struggled for the last few years with HSV1 but have a supportive family & boyfriend. […]
What is my risk of contracting herpes? Herpes Transmission Risk II
Acquired Immune Response This is where herpes transmission risk gets a little more complicated. There are 9 types of the human herpes virus: HHV1 and HHV2 are the types known as herpes simplex viruses (HSV type 1 and HSV type 2); HHV3 is know as varicella-zoster, the type that causes chickenpox and shingles, or herpes […]
What is my risk of spreading herpes? Herpes Transmission Risk
One of the most common questions we receive is about herpes transmission and the risk of spreading the virus to a new partner. HSV1 & HSV2 is transmitted via skin-to-skin contact – not bodily fluids, blood, surfaces, towels, bedding, toilets, or otherwise, just skin-to-skin contact. From there, inoculation must also occur for the infection to […]
How many outbreaks will I get? Herpes Outbreaks
HSV affects everyone a little differently. Some people are bothered by frequent cold sores and/or genital herpes outbreaks, and others are not. How much of a physical impact the virus has on someone’s body is primarily the result of four factors: how well a person’s immune system is able to combat the infection, how long […]
What is the difference between HSV1 & HSV2? Oral and Genital Herpes
In telling a new partner about a genital herpes infection, it’s common to compare cold sores – an oral herpes infection – with a genital one. However, is that really a good comparison? The emotional and social attitudes surrounding the two infections are wildly different, and those perceptions alone can make an objective comparison and […]
Chlamydia – He Made Me Feel Awful – STI Interviews
Submitted anonymously via the contact form, this interview speaks to level of stigma that persists across all STD diagnosis. Largely, those misconceptions prevail because of a lack of information. Folks are unaware of how likely they are to contract an STD, and instead of taking responsibility for their sexual behavior, they blame those who have […]
HSV2 – Utterly Lost – STI Interviews
This interview speaks to one of the many reasons why we must challenge the stigma associated with contracting an STD. That someone has an STD does not mean they are a slut, promiscuous, a whore, etc. – whether they have engaged in sexual activities one time, ten times, or a hundred times. One’s sexual proclivity […]
Genital Herpes – It’s Hard to Get Out of Bed – STI Interviews
A concise and poignant interview submitted anonymously via the contact form. This full-time student shares how her genital herpes diagnosis has impacted her emotionally and has affected her relationships with family, friends, and partners. The process of simply writing about your feelings can be healing, but it’s always nice to know you’re not alone and […]
